Zie deez' soldaten hier marcheren, / Om zich dapper te verweren. / Indien napoleon tegen ons zich steld, / Onze kracht en moed hem nederveld 1781 - 1828

Alexander Cranendoncq created this print of soldiers in the Netherlands, sometime in the early 19th century, using etching. This work captures a moment of national fervor during the Napoleonic Wars. These neatly arranged rows of soldiers, each labeled by rank and role, are a testament to the social order of the time. Yet, what does it mean to see these soldiers, not as symbols of power, but as individuals caught in the currents of war? The Dutch text above emphasizes the importance of national defense, and also hints at the personal sacrifices demanded by military service. In this historical context, we might consider how the common soldier experienced these conflicts. Were they defending their homes or were they coerced into service? How did their families and communities cope with the absence and potential loss of loved ones? This print invites us to look beyond the image of military might, and towards the human cost of war.